In the history of Indian Cinema, a method actor, social activist and politician, Sunil Dutt, who wore many hats and
excelled in a plethora of roles that came his way - both on and off
screen.
Born on June 6th, 1926, Sunil Dutt grew up as Balraj Dutt in a family
that had survived the Partition of India. A student of Mumbai's Jai
Hind college, he first started off as radio show host and celebrity
interviewer, which led to his first encounter with the glamour world.
Interestingly, wife-to-be Nargis was one of the celebrities he met in
the course of his work. Soon, Dutt got a chance to enter the
film-world, when director Ramesh Saigal offered him the hero's role in
his Nalini Jaywant starrer 'Railway Platform' (1955).
'Ek Hi Raasta' (1956), marked the start of a seven-film long
association with B R Chopra. Dutt's true breakthrough came with Mehboob
Khan's magnum opus 'Mother India' (1957).
His portrayal of Birju, Nargis's rebellious younger son, portrayed a
raw, urgent energy. Dutt's association with Nargis in the movie
resulted in a more serious one, when he married her after the release
of the film.
Dutt's role in women-oriented films like 'Sadhna' (1958), 'Sujata'
(1959) , 'Main Chup Rahungi' (1962) and 'Darpan' (1970) were well-appreciated. Noted
filmmakers like Bimal Roy, Hrishikesh Mukherji and B R Chopra dared to
defy Sunil Dutt's established rebellious Birju image and cast him as a
sensitive lover.
In 60s, Dutt become one of the established actors. He was the only actor of that time who dare to take different roles. He always believed that an actor should play variety of roles instead of sticking to particular genre.
Dutt turned producer in the early sixties with a couple of offbeat
movies - 'Yeh Raaste Hain Pyar Ke' (1963), where heroine Leela Naidu
has an adulterous relationship and 'Mujhe Jeene Do' (1963) where he
played a dacoit.
Dutt also turned director in the mid 60s with an experimental solo actor movie 'Yaadein' (1964)
which was selected in Guinness Book of World Record and a love war 'Reshma Aur Shera' (1971) which was nominated in Berlin International Film Festival.
In his cinematic association, with B R Chopra become legendary as Dutt gave several big hits
in the 50s & 60s - 'Ek Hi Raasta' (1956), 'Sadhna' (1958), 'Gumraah' (1963), 'Waqt' (1965) and 'Humraaz' (1967).
He also worked with South Indian filmmakers, which resulted in
emotion-heavy, rural-based hits with Nutan like 'Khandaan' and 'Milan'.
In 1967, he had a hat-trick of hits with 'Milan', 'Meherban' and
'Humraaz'. His role of a buffoon in Jyoti Swaroop's 'Padosan' (1968) was much
appreciated and proved to be a classic comedy.
In 1970s, he gave several big hits like 'Heera' (1973), 'Pran Jaye Par Vachan Na Jaye' (1974),
'Zakhmee' (1975), 'Nagin' (1976), 'Daku Aur Jawan' (1978) and 'Jaani Dushman' (1979).
In 1981, Dutt's world was rocked when his wife Nargis died after a
protracted battle with her cancer. He later joined politics. One year after her death, he directed 'Dard Ka Rishta' in honor of her
and to spread awareness towards cancer. He also built hospital named Nargis Dutt Foundation for cancer treatment. He also worked tirelessly for poor people.
But Dutt continued as an actor until early 90s with
few movies. He worked with select filmmakers like J P Dutta 'Kshatriya' and Yash
Chopra 'Parampara' . In early 90s, he took retirement from films and worked as a politician till the end.
He worked for refugees, slum dwellers and displaced people. His fanbase in his time was soft-spoken and kind-hearted handsome star which made him a heartthrob for all of a different kind.
His last screen appearance was in Rajkumar Hirani's
immensely popular laugh riot 'Munnabhai MBBS', where he played
on-screen father to his son Sanjay. Their hugging scene become a memorable scene in the film.
During his lifetime, he was known as a bigger hero in real life than reel life.
He won two Filmfare awards, one BFJA award, a National Film award. In 1995, he was honoured with Lifetime Achievement award for his contribution in Indian Cinema. In 2001, he was honoured with Zee Cine award where he thanked all his co-directors, co-actors, technicians, makeup artists.
Like his film career, his political career was also successful. He was the only actor who worked tirelessly for the nation without any personal motive. He won Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavna award for his padyatra and social work alongwith Maulana Abdul Azad award, Man of the year award. In 2004, he was selected as Cabinet Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs. Untill his death, he did his work dedicatedly.
Dutt died in his sleep due to heart attack in 2005. His sudden death was shocking for all. Some politicians believed that he died early and expressed their grief that they lost a valuable politician. His children always gave tribute to him on special occasions on their social media.
This legend left this world early but completed all his duties and made his own legacy. He not only entertained the audience but also inspired them with his work and contribution.
